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RESETTING TOWARDS A CHRIST-CENTERED CULTURE FOR TRASLACION 2024

Mar. 17, 2024 02:43 PM

The new ‘andas’ about to parade down from Quirino Grandstand commemorating the transfer (Traslacion) of the Black Nazarene image from its original home in Intramuros to Quiapo church in history. Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

LUNETA GRANDSTAND, MANILA – At 4:45 A.M. on January 09, 2024, the word “Salya” (push) marks the beginning of the Traslacion of the image of the Black Nazarene, is heard again for the first time in three years from Rev. Fr. Rufino Sescon, Jr., rector and parish priest of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno. It signifies the commencement of the Traslacion from the Quirino Grandstand back to Quiapo church alongside millions of devotees.

Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

During the three-year break of Traslacion, the new administration under Fr. Sescon, Jr. used this chance to implement significant modifications to the event. The Nazareno 2024 signifies a return to the original Christocentric culture of Traslacion from the early 1600s, where only the image of Jesus Nazareno should be the main focus on the andas.

Consequently, there are modifications made for the Nazareno 2024 to align it to its official theme: “Ibig naming makita si Hesus” or “We wish to see Jesus” taken from the gospel of St. John 12:21.

Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

Firstly, the traditional transfer of the Nazareno image from the altar of Quirino Grandstand to the andas has been regarded as one of the most dramatic parts of the Traslacion. However, due to the need for modification, another Nazareno image has been pre-installed on the newly designed andas, surrounded by durable laminated glass, to address the security and safety issues concerning the image.

Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

Secondly, the traditional andas used during the pre-pandemic Traslacion, which could accommodate 40 persons guarding the Black Nazarene image, has been replaced by a newly modeled andas with glass enclosure to ensure the protection of the image. On both sides of the andas are designated spaces fo 20 authorized ‘Alagad’ members of the Hijos del Nazareno. These members are responsible for guarding the Black Nazarene image and assisting in navigating the andas. Despite being protected by the glass enclosure, the devotees are still permitted to have their handkerchiefs wiped on the partly exposed piece of the cross of the image at the back of the andas with the help of the Hijos del Nazareno onboard.

Thirdly, devotees are now strongly discouraged from climbing on the andas during the six-kilometer procession to ensure that the Black Nazarene image remains the event’s centerpiece. The church, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Local Government of Manila are collaborating on a determined effort to ensure a solemn, orderly, and safe Nazareno 2024 celebration.

Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

Going over the modifications made to the annual Traslacion sparks controversy among devotees and academic scholars concerned with safeguarding the tradition and cultural significance of the religious event. Nonetheless, Fr. Sescon Jr. constantly emphasizes that the modification is not only about making changes for the sake of change but primarily to restore the true spirit of the original Traslacion that the devotees profoundly observed solemnly, safely, and orderly in the early 1600s-1700s.

Stretching from San Sebastian church back to Quiapo church, the devotees warmly welcomed the return of the Black Nazarene image with rejoice and praise officially marking the end of a 15-hour procession this year’s Traslacion. Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

Out of the 6,113,598 estimated attendees at the January 9th Traslacion event, 3,227,090 devotees participated in the procession based on the accumulated data the Multi-agency Command Center (MACC) collected. The collaboration between the church, private sector volunteers, and government agencies at local and national levels ensured the success of the Nazareno 2024 activities, with no reported incidents in security, safety, and peace and order. Despite some minor medical cases, the overall event was indeed successful. The sixteen-hour Traslacion procession in 2020, the shortest on record, was surpassed when the Nazareno image was returned to its home in a newly enclosed-glass andas in just fifteen (15) hours, ending at 7:44 PM.

– Alfrein O. Quirionez | ADRM & EIAM